La Tuna Canyon Park Offers Free Verdugo Mountains Views Over the San Fernando Valley
MRCA's own trail description promises views of the San Gabriels, the Valley and downtown LA, plus a waterfall at The Grotto.
La Tuna Canyon Park sits at 8000 La Tuna Canyon Road in Sun Valley, a 1,100 acre property in the Verdugo Mountains managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. MRCA describes a moderate 2.2 mile La Tuna Canyon Trail climbing through oak and sycamore lined canyons to a ridgetop where, in its words, majestic views of the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Fernando Valley and downtown Los Angeles abound; the Los Angeles County trail listing gives the route as 4.4 miles with about 970 feet of elevation gain.
A trail from the parking lot also leads to The Grotto, a deeply incised canyon with steep walls and overhanging trees culminating in a waterfall with a small pool. The park connects to the Verdugo Fire Road, also called the Backbone Road, which offers thirteen miles of trails.
Dogs are permitted on leash, and MRCA lists parking and picnic tables at the trailhead. The canyon lends its name to the 2017 La Tuna Fire, which burned 7,194 acres.
Need to know
- Where
- 8000 La Tuna Canyon Rd, Sun Valley, CA. From I-5 exit 150 at Sunland Blvd, north 0.8 miles, right on La Tuna Canyon Rd for 3.3 miles.
- Hours
- MRCA does not list operating hours on the park page. Check MRCA's current notices before traveling.
- Price
- Free. MRCA lists parking and picnic tables at the trailhead. La Tuna Canyon is not included in MRCA's paid annual parking permit program.
Source: MRCA